Ukrainian intelligence reports that a North Korean missile unit has begun deploying to western Russia. Officials in Kyiv state this unit may be equipped with 120 ballistic missiles and six launchers for potential use in the ongoing war. This move marks an expansion of the existing military cooperation between Moscow and Pyongyang.
Andrii Cherniak, from Ukraine’s Main Directorate of Intelligence, says the unit of approximately 90 North Korean personnel is expected to be stationed in the Voronezh region as part of the 112th Missile Brigade. Reports suggest that Russia has already received a shipment of 40 KN-23 and KN-24 missiles to support this operation.
Ukraine faces significant pressure on its air defense capabilities. Military analysts observe that Russia has sought to exploit these gaps by increasing its reliance on ballistic missiles, which are difficult to intercept. The addition of North Korean resources presents a direct threat to critical infrastructure, including the power grid, as winter approaches.
While Russia and North Korea have formed a mutual defense pact, the exact role these personnel will perform in Russian operations remains unclear. Intelligence officials indicate that these details will be confirmed through high-level talks. In the meantime, Ukraine continues to monitor the movement of these assets near its border.